Phil Collen of Def Leppard: Band follows 10-year plan

On Friday (July 19), Def Leppard’s long-time guitarist Phil Collen joined Loudwire Nights to celebrate the release of their latest song, “Just Like ’73” – a track that he said brought the band some closure.

“It was almost on the album, Diamond Star Halos,” Collen told host Chuck Armstrong about the new song. “We weren’t quite finished yet. I started with the demo and had this idea for the thing. We were in the middle of Diamond Star Halos.”

Collen explained that the song revolves around a lyric from a T. Rex song, but that it also sheds light on the musical era that brought Collen and frontman Joe Elliott to music.

“I had the idea for the drums and a chorus and then worked on it but didn’t quite finish it,” he said. “The album came out, (then) we continued with Drastic symphonies.”

The idea that the publication of “Just Like ’73” would be the book about Diamond Star Halos is something Collen hadn’t thought much about before – but one he completely agreed with.

“To be honest, it actually sums it up pretty well.”

What’s next for Def Leppard?

Although “Just Like ’73” is a song based on Def Leppard’s 2022 studio album, Diamond Star HalosCollen assured the Loudwire Nights the audience that they were working hard on even newer music.

“New songs, new album, new tour,” said Collen when asked what was planned for the band.

“We have a 10-year plan at the moment, so yes, we have to set our pace.”

Collen admitted that he is very excited about the new music that Def Leppard is working on.

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“We all like it,” he said.

“It’s never a chore… I have some crazy ideas. I’m always really excited about what comes out of it.”

What else did Phil Collen from Def Leppard discuss? Loudwire Nights?

Listen to the full interview in the podcast player below

Phil Collen joined Loudwire Nights on Friday, July 19; the show will be replayed online here and you can tune in live every weeknight at 7pm ET or via the Loudwire app; you can also check to see if the show is available on your local radio station and listen to interviews on demand.

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